Norths side walks

A DECISION by Norths to leave the field with 15 minutes to play in the match with Proserpine on Saturday night, is expected to come under scrutiny when the Mackay and District Rugby League board meets tonight.

The walk-off occurred after the northerners were reduced to eight men in their Mercury Cup match, with four players sent off and two in the sin bin.

Proserpine, the home team, was leading 46-0.

Norths coach Gary Craig said he took the decision for the safety of players on both sides.

''We just (couldn't) afford to carry on the with the game. With eight players on the field, we have a duty of care,'' he said.

The club is understood to be upset at the penalty count, which heavily favoured Proserpine.

Mackay and District Rugby League chairman, Greg Sutherland, said yesterday he was yet to be formally briefed, but ''understood where (Norths) are coming from'' regarding safety.

Proserpine coach, Craig Bradley, was just happy to win.

Bradley said his side had been struggling with injuries, with Dane Goldman breaking an arm in the first minute of the game and Toby Nash forced from the ground with an injured ankle.